Question on powering a solar cell display with artificial light

In summary: Assuming you have a typical solar array with a 12V battery, and you're only using 5 amps, the power output from your solar array is still ~200 watts.
  • #1
Baldr
1
0
Hey folks,

Sorry if this is a boring topic or if it's posted in not the best subject but here goes.

I'm working on a solar-power related project and will have a display set up indoors.

The cells are rated at up to 10V and 150mA.

Under ambient artificial light we can get the voltage up to spec pretty easily but the current is way low, like 2ish mA.

With a really heavy duty bulb (500W) we can get it to like 40 mA.

But for the purpose of the display it would be really great if we could get it to the full 150mA.

This of course is easily done under sunlight but our display will be indoors.

Anyways, just seeing if anyone had any ideas of getting the full current from a solar cell under artificial light without hooking up cells in parallel.

Another important note is that at our display we will only be afforded 5 Amps at 120VAC.

Cheers!

-Baldr
 
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  • #2
In the sunlight you are looking at 800-1000 W/m^2 on a typical clear day.
5 amps at 120vac is ~600W.
cell output power is 10V*.15A=1.5W
Assuming your cell has surface area < .5 m2, 600W should be enough to make the 1.5W

My suggestion is to look at how the efficiency of your cell depends on wavelength. If you are using flourescent bulbs, they dump a lot of power into narrow wavelength bands, which might match poorly with your cell. Try using incandescents, because they are blackbodies they dump a lot of power spread out across a large wavelength range, much like the solar spectrum.

You can look into some different gases for flourescents, and select the best matching one. Also, make as much light as possible shining on the cell from your lamp (use mirrors etc). this will maximize the irradiance and increase your output.
 
  • #3
If you're using a 600 watt bulb to do a 1 1/2 square foot area, isn't the power output from the solar array kind of moot?
 

1. How does artificial light affect the performance of a solar cell display?

Artificial light can have a significant impact on the performance of a solar cell display. The type and intensity of the light source can affect the efficiency of the solar cells in converting light into electricity. For example, fluorescent lights may have a different effect than LED lights. Additionally, the angle and distance of the light source from the solar cells can also affect their performance.

2. Can any type of artificial light be used to power a solar cell display?

No, not all types of artificial light can be used to power a solar cell display. The light source must emit a sufficient amount of visible light, as this is the type of light that solar cells are designed to absorb. Additionally, the light source should have a consistent and stable output, as fluctuations can affect the performance of the solar cells.

3. Is it possible to power a solar cell display with indoor lighting?

Yes, it is possible to power a solar cell display with indoor lighting. However, the amount of energy generated may be lower compared to using natural sunlight. This is because indoor lighting usually has lower intensity and a different spectrum of light compared to sunlight. Therefore, it may require longer exposure to indoor lighting to generate the same amount of energy as natural sunlight.

4. Can a solar cell display be powered solely by artificial light?

Yes, a solar cell display can be powered solely by artificial light. However, the efficiency and performance may vary depending on the quality and intensity of the artificial light source used. Additionally, the display may require longer exposure to artificial light compared to natural sunlight to generate the same amount of energy.

5. What are the benefits of using artificial light to power a solar cell display?

Using artificial light to power a solar cell display can have several benefits. It allows the display to function in indoor environments where natural sunlight may not be available. Additionally, it can provide a more consistent and stable source of energy compared to relying solely on natural sunlight. Moreover, using artificial light as a source of energy can also reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

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